Privacy & Surveillance in Harris County, TX (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Harris County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Harris County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Security Camera Rules

Security cameras on private property are legal in Harris County. Texas is a one-party consent state for recording conversations (Penal Code §16.02). Video surveillance of your own property is unrestricted. Cameras must not be used for voyeurism or to invade another person's privacy under Texas Penal Code §21.15.

Harris County Security Camera Rules

Few Restrictions

Tex. Penal Code Sec. 21.15 (Invasive Visual Recording)

Sec. 21.15. INVASIVE VISUAL RECORDING. (a) In this section:(1) "Female breast" means any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola.(2) "Intimate area" means the naked or clothed genitals, pubic area, anus, buttocks, or female breast of a person.(3) "Changing room" means a room or portioned area provided for or primarily used for the changing of clothing and includes dressin...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Recording & Consent Laws

Texas is a one-party consent state under Texas Penal Code §16.02. You may legally record a conversation if you are a party to it. Recording conversations you are not a party to without any party's consent is a felony. Video recording in public places is generally unrestricted.

Harris County Recording and Consent Laws

Few Restrictions

Texas Penal Code Sec. 16.02 (Unlawful Interception, Use, or Disclosure of Wire, Oral, or Electronic Communications)

Sec. 16.02. UNLAWFUL INTERCEPTION, USE, OR DISCLOSURE OF WIRE, ORAL, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. (a) In this section:(1) "Communication common carrier," "computer trespasser," "contents," "covert entry," "electronic communication," "intercept," "interception device," "investigative or law enforcement officer," "oral communication," "protected computer," and "wire communication" have the meani...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Privacy & Surveillance by City in Harris County

1 cities in Harris County have their own privacy & surveillance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

HoustonPop. 2,304,580

2 verified rules • Recording & Consent Laws, Security Camera Rules

All Harris County ordinances

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